About

Zoe Lyons is back on the road in 2011 with a brand new show ‘Clownbusting’, her second ever nationwide tour. She has in previous years performed three solo shows at the Edinburgh Festival to critical acclaim. She recently appeared on Michael McIntyre’sComedy Roadshow.

“Always fizzling with indignation and throwing out a hugely enjoyable mix of brutal put-downs and richly funny stories, Lyons has what it takes to delight any crowd”Guardian

CLOWNBUSTING

Just get on with life and try to be happy. Sounds so simple doesn’t it? But let’s be honest it is easier said than done if, like Zoe, you are the sort of person who feels they could commit mass insect homicide in a butterfly house or you can become violent when confronted with a souvenir thimble… you can shove your souvenir teaspoon as well. Why does she lie awake at night worrying that if she ever went to Prison she wouldn’t use the time wisely and she would only be a disappointment to herself and when will those awful flashbacks to the “nudist beach incident” ever cease. Life is too short, particularly if you are a butterfly in the wrong place at the wrong time and I am holding in hand a commemorative piece of cutlery from a trip abroad.

Last year’s touring show ‘Miss Machismo” gained her much critical acclaim and her second solo show in 2008 ‘Mangled Mantra Of The Mixed Up Modern Mind’ gained her a win for Funniest Joke of the Fringe voted by Dave TV, for her one liner….”I can’t believe Amy Winehouse self-harms. She’s so irritating she must be able to find someone to do it for her…” Germaine Greer was quoted in the Guardian describing the gag as “Astonishingly vicious” – Zoe takes this as a massive compliment! Her debut solo show ‘Fight Or Flight’ procured her an If.Comedy Best Newcomer nomination. That same year Zoe was honoured with an invitation to become a patron of Pride joining a select group of luminaries which includes Stephen Fry, Sir Elton John and Sir Ian McKellen.

Radio wise Zoe has been heard in ‘Clive Anderson’s Chatroom’ (Radio Two) and ‘4 Stands Up’ (Radio 4), She has also appeared in “It’s that Jo Caulfield Again” (Radio 4) and PMQ with Andy Parsons (Radio 5 Live).

If you are interested in coming along to see Zoe at any of her dates across the UK, check tour dates and ticket availability on her website here

LNL Questionnaire

Your favourite virtue?

A sense of empathy

Your favourite qualities in a man?

I do have a bit of a thing for big men with lovely chests. I like guys who can cook and have a bit of creative flare in the kitchen. I have a few male friends who a very much into their clothes, I do like a dapper gent

Your favourite qualities in a woman?

Confidence and a sense of adventure. It goes without a saying a sense of humour and fun are really important and you can’t beat a pair of long legs.

Your main characteristic?

My refusal to grow up

What draws you most to your friends?

The ability to have good conversation and fun.

Given the opportunity what would you most like to change?

I want to see less stupid unnecessary packaging on food. We waste so much.

Who would you most like to take out for dinner?

Tilda Swinton, there is something so beautiful about her and she is very smart.

Your idea of happiness?

Perfect bliss for me would be a day skiing with friends. I am happiest when I can be outdoors and I just love being in the mountains. I learnt to ski when I was a kid living in Scotland. You can’t beat blue sky, powder snow and the challenge of a black run.

What is your favourite way of spending the day?

When I am not working or travelling between gigs I spend a lot of time on the beach with my dog. I never tire of living by the sea. We moved to Brighton about 7 years ago from London and I spend some part of every day on the beach. Summers here are great, the weekends can be a bit crazy with day trippers but midweek the wife and I will often pop down to the beach and have a swim and a BBQ.

Whose life other than yours would you most like to have lived?

Jim Morrison, he had a tragically short life but I bet there were some fun times before the drink and drugs took its toll. Brilliant music, snake hips, gorgeous lips and girls galore.

Where would you most like to live?

I am happy here in Brighton but if you could arrange it for me I would like a bigger flat with off street parking thanks.

Who is your favourite author?

George Orwell

Who is your favourite poet?

Roger McGough

Your favourite heroes in fiction?

Winston Smith, 1984, the word hero might be pushing it.

Your favourite heroines in fiction?

Orlando, although she was a man for the first half of the novel so she could count as hero too

Your favourite painters?

Caravaggio and Van Gogh

Who is your favourite composer?

Don’t really have one but very fond of Beethoven’s 9th, the 4th Movement. There is something about choral music that is so beautifully human.

What is your favourite Film?

Some like it Hot

Your favourite food?

So many!! A filet mignon with Alaskan King Crab legs on the side is the ultimate surf and turf

Your favourite drink?

Vodka Martini, straight up with a twist

Who do you most admire?

People who volunteer their time to help others. I am very selfish.

What is your present state of mind?

Up and down like a yoyo but that is very normal for me. I am like a summer’s day in Britain, one minute sunshine next, hail stones.

For what fault have you most toleration?

Over fussiness. Both my Dad and my brother like things “just so” It no longer bothers me. My Dad once went camping with clothes hangers and china cup and saucer!